A Cochrane animator has teamed up with Red Barn Books, to bring the story of John Ware to life.

The children's story 'Howdy, I'm John Ware' tells the story of a black man who escaped slavery in the U.S. and eventually becomes a well-known rancher in Southern Alberta. 

The story was written by Carstairs author Ayesha Clough, and illustrated by Hugh Rookwood of Airdrie last year, and now, Cochrane's Steve Gervais is bringing the characters to life just in time for Black History Month in Alberta. 

Humbled by the experience, Gervais was quick to credit the original duo for their work.

"Ayesha and Hugh, they're the ones that created the amazing story and the visuals and everything," says Gervais. " I just basically brought everything to life, you know, gave it some blinks and moved some horses and all that good stuff."

Clough on the other hand says that seeing the characters come to life was much more impactful than Gervais takes credit for.

"He took Hugh's art and he brought it to life! The first time I saw John blinking and breathing on screen, my heart kind of stopped," says Clough.

Gervais says that he is honoured to be a part of the team and bring this story to a wide audience through 'Edu-tainment.'

"I'm honoured that they picked me as the animator for the project," says Gervais. "What I like to refer to it as is 'edutainment' sort of a combination of educational and entertainment. I wanted to put together something that was interesting and amazing and fun and educational, and just an all-around great story."

Clough says that there is a lack of children's history books in Southern Alberta, and reaching a younger audience and telling this story has been a dream of hers.

"I had this big dream to get the story to kids for sure across Alberta. I want every Alberta kid to know this story but also across Canada," says Clough. "It's like Oh my God, it's actually starting to happen!"

Gervais will be teaming up with Clough and Hughes again for another "Howdy" story set to be released next year.

You can check out the collaboration of 'Howdy, I'm John Ware'  on YouTube.